Vingegaard forced out of Tour after fracture in 'devastating' crash

Jonas Vingegaard's bid for a third consecutive Tour de France title ended abruptly after a severe crash near the finish of the 15th stage left him with a fractured collarbone and multiple abrasions. The 29-year-old Danish rider, who was in second place overall, was unable to continue and will undergo surgery.

"It is devastating that Jonas has had to leave the Tour de France," said Marc Reef, the team's sporting director. "It was quickly clear that Jonas could not continue. He was in a lot of pain." Vingegaard's Visma–Lease a Bike team confirmed the severity of the fracture, recommending surgical intervention.

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It is devastating that Jonas has had to leave the Tour de France. It was quickly clear that Jonas could not continue. He was in a lot of pain.

Before the crash, Vingegaard appeared strong and ready to challenge for the stage victory on the final climb. "Jonas felt extremely good, and we wanted to go for the victory today," Reef added. "Unfortunately, cycling can be very cruel at times."

Fellow contender Tadej Pogačar expressed his sadness at Vingegaard's withdrawal. "I'm really sad to see Jonas crash out," Pogačar said. "Without him, the Tour will not be the same." Other riders, including Vingegaard's teammate Sepp Kuss and Pogačar's teammate Isaac Del Toro, also fell but were able to continue the race.

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I'm really sad to see Jonas crash out. Without him, the Tour will not be the same.